Hints on Selecting Digital Publication Software Vendors
August 12th, 2010Low grade flash software packages can break even the most inventive electronic magazine. When you’ve chosen to produce an online magazine the essential decision is to select the software supplier. Setting the format for your message is only a small part of what they do.
Ease of use is an essential part of the package to look for. Of course, it doesn’t matter how extraordinary the package is if you yourself can’t use it… Your electronic magazine should matter enough to you for you to test out different providers. In making an online publication you also want to maintain awareness of the problems posed by hackers and spammers. What security is placed to protect the package? Can the content be protected? Does the software vendor have anything which stops individuals from simply copy-pasting the words?
The commercialization plan should be put together to your electronic magazine. One part of this plan should be using networking sites. Where does ad-handling fit into the scheme? These things are not totally required for every publication, but you will certainly need to choose one which complements your particular business model. Search engine usable content would also be highly important when considering marketing your electronic journal. What about paid content as well as free? Will you be extending multiple subscription options? Also, the nature of your content - is it monetized at all or is this venture not-for-profit? What about using teasers and summaries to market this magazine? How accessible is your magazine? If it’ll be private you can look into all your hosting options or is it public? In which case you should host directly with the supplier. What’ll you be doing about back-isues? Prior to striking any sort of emergency you need to think about some things, too. In other words: technical support. Is it simply a page of FAQs? Do they have a how-to guide? If a response time isn’t mentioned ask questions. Is there a phone number that is easy to access? Tech-support’s importance cannot be over-stated. You really don’t want to find out only when it’s too late that they’re not up to it!
Your choice at this point will be what determines whether your publication goes well or not - think carefully when opting for your vendor. Search Google, Yahoo or Bing to look up the terms “create online publication” for further useful hints.
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